Episode 290
Mark 3:13–19 — Called to Be With Him (Daily Devotional Podcast)
March 24th, 2026
7 mins 41 secs
Season 5
Your Host
Tags
About this Episode
In Mark 3:13–19 (NLT), Jesus goes up on a mountain and calls the twelve apostles. Mark tells us they were chosen “to accompany him” and then to be sent out to preach and cast out demons.
🎯Today, we remember that our first calling is to be with Jesus—and that any ministry we do flows from being close to Him.
📖Follow Along
🎁VIP
Transcript
Episode 83 — Mark 3:13–19 — Called to Be With Him
Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Kylie and it’s fabulous to be here with you today. Today is March 24. Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise. Let’s begin.
Slow Down Jesus is here. He’s sitting in your favorite spot, waiting for you to join Him. You may have a million things on your mind, but for these few moments, set them aside. Relax. Calm your body. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it. As you inhale, whisper: “Jesus, here I am.” As you exhale, pray: “Draw me near to You.” Repeat this three times, then rest in His presence.
Read Full Transcript Hide Full Transcript
Read Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons. These are the twelve he chose: Simon (whom he named Peter), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). (Mark 3:13–19, NLT)
Notice What stands out? “He called out the ones he wanted,” “they were to accompany him,” “he would send them out,” or one of the names? Hold that phrase or name before the Lord.
Reread Imagine Jesus on the mountain, calling the twelve by name, inviting them to be with Him and then to be sent out. Meditate Jesus calls “the ones he wanted,” and they come to Him. Before He sends them out to preach or cast out demons, He calls them to “accompany him”—to be with Him. Their first calling is presence, not performance. Mission flows out of relationship. Authority flows from being close to Jesus, not from status or personality. The list includes all kinds of people: fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, even Judas, who will later betray Him. Jesus knows their weaknesses and their future, yet He still invites them near. Take a moment to reflect on this question: Where am I tempted to skip “being with Jesus” and jump straight into “doing for Jesus”?
Respond Jesus, thank You for calling people like the twelve—and people like me. Thank You that my first calling is to be with You. Teach me to prioritize Your presence over productivity, and let all my serving flow from time spent with You.
Exercise The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits. Habit: One Verse by Heart Today, choose one short phrase from this passage—maybe “they were to accompany him” or “he called out the ones he wanted.” Take a few moments to repeat it until you can say it from memory. Throughout the day, bring it to mind and let it remind you that you are called first to be with Jesus.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today. Now, take what you’ve heard… and live it. Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.